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Abstract:

The present disclosure generally provides for a variety of multi-domain
pixel configurations that may be implemented in the unit pixels of an LCD
display device, such as a fringe field switching LCD display panel. An
LCD display device utilizing one or more of the presently disclosed
techniques disclosed herein may exhibit improved display properties, such
as viewing angle, color shift, and transmittance properties, relative to
those exhibited by conventional multi-domain designs.

Claims:

1. A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, comprising: a pixel array
comprising a plurality of unit pixels, wherein each of the plurality of
unit pixels comprises an electrode having one or more undulating
electrode strips, wherein each of the one or more undulating electrode
strips defines a generally wave-like shape along a vertical axis of the
LCD panel, and has substantially one and a half periods of oscillation;
and a light-opaque mask disposed over the pixel array and defining a
light-transmissive aperture over each of the unit pixels, wherein the
vertical edges of each of the apertures generally mimics the wave-like
shape of the one or more undulating electrode strips of a corresponding
unit pixel in a substantially parallel manner.

2. The LCD panel of claim 1, wherein the each of the one or more
curvilinear electrode strips has a substantially constant period of
oscillation with respect to the vertical axis.

3. The LCD panel of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more curvilinear
electrode strips has a varying period of oscillation with respect to the
vertical axis.

4. The LCD panel of claim 1, wherein the one or more curvilinear
electrode strips corresponding to the electrode of a unit pixel comprises
a plurality of curvilinear electrodes strips arranged in a generally
parallel manner, each of the curvilinear electrodes strips having the
generally wave-like shape.

5. The LCD panel of claim 4, wherein the plurality of curvilinear
electrode strips are spaced apart within the unit pixel in a
substantially uniform manner.

6. The LCD panel of claim 4, wherein the plurality of curvilinear
electrode strips are spaced apart within the unit pixel in a non-uniform
manner.

7. The LCD panel of claim 1, wherein the pixel array comprises a
plurality of scanning lines and data lines defining rows and columns,
respectively, wherein each row is defined by a plurality of unit pixels
coupled to a common scanning line, and wherein each column is defined by
a plurality of unit pixels coupled to a common data line.

8. The LCD panel of claim 7, wherein each data line generally mimics the
wave-like shape of the one or more curvilinear electrode strips of the
unit pixels coupled thereto in a parallel manner along the vertical axis
of the LCD panel.

10. The LCD panel of claim 1, wherein the electrode comprises one or more
of indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

11. A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, comprising: a pixel array
comprising a plurality of unit pixels arranged in rows and columns along
respective scanning lines and data lines, wherein each of the unit pixels
comprises an electrode having first and second opposing vertical edges
with respect to a vertical axis of the LCD panel, wherein the electrode
comprises: a first set of electrode strips extending from the first
vertical edge to the second vertical edge in a serpentine manner; a
second set of electrode strips extending from the first vertical edge to
the second vertical edge in a serpentine manner; and a dividing electrode
portion coupled to one or both of the first and second vertical edges,
wherein the dividing electrode portion divides the electrode into lower
and upper portions with respect to the vertical axis.

12. The LCD panel of claim 11, wherein the first set of electrode strips
extends from the first vertical edge at an angle with respect to a
horizontal axis of the LCD panel in a first angular direction along the
vertical axis, and wherein the second set of electrode strips extends
from the first vertical edge at the angle, but in a second angular
direction along the vertical axis, the second angular direction being
opposite the first angular direction.

13. The LCD panel of claim 11, wherein the first and second sets of
electrode strips extend from portions of the first and second vertical
edges, respectively, in the upper and lower portions of the electrode.

14. The LCD panel of claim 11, wherein the electrode comprises a top end
portion and a bottom end portion coupled to the one or more curvilinear
electrode strips.

[0005] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects
of art that may be related to various aspects of the present techniques,
which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to
be helpful in providing the reader with background information to
facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements
are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0006] Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are commonly used as screens or
displays for a wide variety of electronic devices, including such
consumer electronics as televisions, computers, and handheld devices
(e.g., cellular telephones, audio and video players, gaming systems, and
so forth). Such LCD devices typically provide a flat display in a
relatively thin package that is suitable for use in a variety of
electronic goods. In addition, such LCD devices typically use less power
than comparable display technologies, making them suitable for use in
battery powered devices or in other contexts were it is desirable to
minimize power usage. LCD devices typically include a plurality of unit
pixels arranged in a matrix. The unit pixels may be driven by scanning
line and data line circuitry to display an image that may be perceived by
a user.

[0007] Conventional unit pixels of fringe-field switching (FFS) LCD
display panels may utilize multi-domain or single-domain configurations
and may typically include strip-shaped or finger-shaped pixel electrodes.
The pixel electrodes are generally controlled by transistors to create
electrical fields that allow at least a portion of a light source to pass
through a liquid crystal material within the pixels. In conventional
single-domain pixel configurations, pixel electrodes are generally
arranged parallel to one another such that all the pixel electrodes
within the LCD panel are oriented in the same direction. This generally
results in the electrical fields generated within a single-domain unit
pixel being in the same direction throughout the unit pixel, thereby
providing a higher light transmittance rate compared to that of
multi-domain pixel configurations. However, conventional single-domain
pixel configurations generally offer poorer viewing angles and color
shift properties compared to multi-domain configurations.

[0008] In conventional multi-domain pixel configurations, pixel electrodes
within each unit pixel may be oriented in more than one direction. In
this manner, the overall viewing angle and color shift properties of the
LCD panel may be improved. However, disclinations may result in
light-transmissive portions of multi-domain unit pixels due to the
differing directions of electrical fields generated within each unit
pixel. Such disinclinations are particularly problematic in that they may
block a portion of the light transmitted through the pixels, thus
reducing the overall transmittance rate of the LCD panel.

SUMMARY

[0009] Certain aspects of embodiments disclosed herein by way of example
are summarized below. It should be understood that these aspects are
presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of certain
forms the various techniques disclosed and/or claimed herein might take
and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of any
technique disclosed and/or claimed herein. Indeed, any technique
disclosed and/or claimed herein may encompass a variety of aspects that
may not be set forth below.

[0010] The present disclosure generally provides for a variety of pixel
configurations that may be implemented in the unit pixels of an LCD
display device, such as a fringe field switching LCD display panel, to
provide for display properties (e.g., viewing angle, color shift, and
transmittance) that are generally improved relative to those exhibited by
conventional multi-domain designs. In one embodiment, an LCD panel may
include unit pixels having undulating electrodes generally defining a
wave-like shape along a vertical axis of the LCD panel. In such an
embodiment, the LCD panel may also include wave-like data lines, as well
as a light-opaque matrix defining light-transmissive apertures over each
unit pixel, such that the data lines and the vertical edges of the
apertures generally mimic the wake-like shape defined by the undulating
electrodes in a parallel manner. In another embodiment, an LCD panel may
include unit pixels having electrodes, wherein the electrodes each
include two or more electrode strips oriented along the vertical length
of the electrode, such that the electrode strips diverge from a first end
of the electrode and converge at a second end that is opposite the first
end.

[0011] In a further embodiment, an LCD panel may exhibit reduced off-axis
color shift relative to conventional multi-domain designs by utilizing
pixels having electrodes that include electrode strips angled in a first
direction along a first distance of the vertical length of the electrode
and angled in a second direction along a second distance of the vertical
length of the electrode, such that the orientation of the electrode for
each pixel is asymmetric with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes
of the LCD panel. In yet a further embodiment, an LCD panel may exhibit
increased aperture ratio and, therefore, enhanced brightness, by
utilizing pixels having electrodes that include first and second sets of
electrode strips extending from opposing vertical edges of the electrode,
such that the first and second sets of electrode strips are generally
parallel with each other and arranged in an interleaving manner. As will
be discussed in further detail below, the various techniques disclosed
herein may provide for improvements with regard to viewing angle, color
shift, and transmittance properties of display panels relative to those
of conventional multi-domain pixel designs.

[0012] Various refinements of the features noted above may exist in
relation to various aspects of the present disclosure. Further features
may also be incorporated in these various aspects as well. These
refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any
combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation
to one or more of the illustrated embodiments may be incorporated into
any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure alone or in
any combination. Again, the brief summary presented above is intended
only to familiarize the reader with certain aspects and contexts of
embodiments of the present disclosure without limitation to the claimed
subject matter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed
description of certain exemplary embodiments is read with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts
throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting exemplary components of an
electronic device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a front view of a handheld electronic device, in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a view of a computer, in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure;

[0017]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of exemplary layers of a unit pixel of
an LCD display panel, in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing switching and display circuitry
that may be used in conjunction with an LCD display panel, in accordance
with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a cutaway cross-sectional side view of a unit pixel of an
LCD display panel, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display
panel, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display
panel, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022]FIG. 9A is a simplified plan view of an electrode arrangement
corresponding to a unit pixel, in accordance with a third embodiment of
the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 9B is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display
panel utilizing an electrode arrangement in accordance with the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 9A;

[0024] FIG. 10A is a simplified plan view of electrode arrangements
corresponding to two adjacent unit pixels, in accordance with a fourth
embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 10B is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display
panel utilizing electrode arrangements in accordance with the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 10A;

[0026] FIG. 11A is a simplified plan view of an electrode arrangement
corresponding to a unit pixel, in accordance with a fifth embodiment of
the present disclosure; and

[0027] FIG. 11B is a detailed plan view of a portion of an LCD display
panel utilizing an electrode arrangement in accordance with the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0028] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described below. These described embodiments are only exemplary of the
presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a
concise description of these exemplary embodiments, all features of an
actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It
should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous
implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers'
specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and
business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to
another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development
effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a
routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of
ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0029] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present
invention, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean
that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that
there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0030] With these foregoing features in mind, a general description of
suitable electronic devices using LCD displays that may implement pseudo
multi-domain properties in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure is provided below. In FIG. 1, a block diagram depicting
various components that may be present in electronic devices suitable for
use with the present techniques is provided. In FIG. 2, one example of a
suitable electronic device, provided here as a handheld electronic
device, is depicted. In FIG. 3, another example of a suitable electronic
device, provided here as a computer system, is depicted. These types of
electronic devices, and other electronic devices providing comparable
display capabilities, may be used in conjunction with the present
techniques.

[0031] An example of a suitable electronic device may include various
internal and/or external components which contribute to the function of
the device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the components that
may be present in such an electronic device 10 and which may allow the
device 10 to function in accordance with the techniques discussed herein.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various
functional blocks shown in FIG. 1 may comprise hardware elements
(including circuitry), software elements (including computer code stored
on a computer-readable medium) or a combination of both hardware and
software elements. It should further be noted that FIG. 1 is merely one
example of a particular implementation and is merely intended to
illustrate the types of components that may be present in a device 10.
For example, in the presently illustrated embodiment, these components
may include a display 12, I/O ports 14, input structures 16, one or more
processors 18, a memory device 20, a non-volatile storage 22, expansion
card(s) 24, a networking device 26, and a power source 28.

[0032] With regard to each of these components, the display 12 may be used
to display various images generated by the device 10. In one embodiment,
the display 12 may be a liquid crystal displays (LCD). For example, the
display 12 may be an LCD employing fringe field switching (FFS), in-plane
switching (IPS), or other techniques useful in operating such LCD
devices. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the electronic device
10, the display 12 may be provided in conjunction with a touch-sensitive
element, such as a touchscreen, that may be used as part of the control
interface for the device 10.

[0033] The I/O ports 14 may include ports configured to connect to a
variety of external devices, such as a power source, headset or
headphones, or other electronic devices (such as handheld devices and/or
computers, printers, projectors, external displays, modems, docking
stations, and so forth). The I/O ports 14 may support any interface type,
such as a universal serial bus (USB) port, a video port, a serial
connection port, an IEEE-1394 port, an Ethernet or modem port, and/or an
AC/DC power connection port.

[0034] The input structures 16 may include the various devices, circuitry,
and pathways by which user input or feedback is provided to the processor
18. Such input structures 16 may be configured to control a function of
the device 10, applications running on the device 10, and/or any
interfaces or devices connected to or used by the electronic device 10.
For example, the input structures 16 may allow a user to navigate a
displayed user interface or application interface. Examples of the input
structures 16 may include buttons, sliders, switches, control pads, keys,
knobs, scroll wheels, keyboards, mice, touchpads, and so forth.

[0035] In certain embodiments, an input structure 16 and display 12 may be
provided together, such an in the case of a touchscreen where a
touch-sensitive mechanism is provided in conjunction with the display 12.
In such embodiments, the user may select or interact with displayed
interface elements via the touch-sensitive mechanism. In this way, the
displayed interface may provide interactive functionality, allowing a
user to navigate the displayed interface by touching the display 12. For
example, user interaction with the input structures 16, such as to
interact with a user or application interface displayed on the display
12, may generate electrical signals indicative of the user input. These
input signals may be routed via suitable pathways, such as an input hub
or data bus, to the one or more processor 18 for further processing.

[0036] In addition to processing various input signals received via the
input structure(s) 16, the processor(s) 18 may control the general
operation of the device 10. For instance, the processor(s) 18 may provide
the processing capability to execute an operating system, programs, user
and application interfaces, and any other functions of the electronic
device 10. The processor(s) 18 may include one or more microprocessors,
such as one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more
special-purpose microprocessors and/or application-specific
microprocessors (ASICs), or some combination of such processing
components. For example, the processor 18 may include one or more
instruction set (RISC) processors, as well as graphics processors, video
processors, audio processors and/or related chip sets. As will be
appreciated, the processor(s) 18 may be coupled to one or more data buses
for transferring data and instructions between various components of the
device 10.

[0037] The instructions or data to be processed by the processor(s) 18 may
be stored in a computer-readable medium, such as a memory 20. Such a
memory 20 may be provided as a volatile memory, such as random access
memory (RAM) or as a non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM),
or as a combination of one or more RAM and ROM devices. The memory 20 may
store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For
example, the memory 20 may store firmware for the electronic device 10,
such as a basic input/output system (BIOS), an operating system, various
programs, applications, or any other routines that may be executed on the
electronic device 10, including user interface functions, processor
functions, and so forth. In addition, the memory 20 may be used for
buffering or caching during operation of the electronic device 10.

[0038] In addition to the memory 20, the device 10 may further include a
non-volatile storage 22 for persistent storage of data and/or
instructions. The non-volatile storage 22 may include flash memory, a
hard drive, or any other optical, magnetic, and/or solid-state storage
media, or some combination thereof. The non-volatile storage 22 may be
used to store data files such as firmware, data files, software programs
and applications, wireless connection information, personal information,
user preferences, and any other suitable data.

[0039] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 may also include one or more
card or expansion slots. The card slots may be configured to receive an
expansion card 24 that may be used to add functionality, such as
additional memory, I/O functionality, or networking capability, to the
electronic device 10. Such an expansion card 24 may connect to the device
through any type of suitable connector, and may be accessed internally or
external with respect to a housing of the electronic device 10. For
example, in one embodiment, the expansion card 24 may be flash memory
card, such as a SecureDigital (SD) card, mini- or microSD, CompactFlash
card, Multimedia card (MMC), or the like. Additionally, the expansion
card 24 may be a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, for use with an
embodiment of the electronic device 10 that provides mobile phone
capability.

[0040] The components depicted in FIG. 1 also include a network device 26,
such as a network controller or a network interface card (NIC). In one
embodiment, the network device 26 may be a wireless NIC providing
wireless connectivity over any 802.11 standard or any other suitable
wireless networking standard. The network device 26 may allow the
electronic device 10 to communicate over a network, such as a Local Area
Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), such as an Enhanced Data Rates
for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network for a 3G data network (e.g., based on
the IMT-2000 standard), or the Internet. Additionally, the network device
26 may provide for connectivity to a personal area network, such as a
Bluetooth® network, an IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., ZigBee) network, or an
ultra wideband network (UWB). In some embodiments, the network device 26
may further provide for close-range communications using a near-field
communication (NFC) interface operating in accordance with one or more
standards, such as ISO 18092, ISO 21481, or the TransferJet®
protocol.

[0041] As will be understood, the device 10 may use the network device 26
to connect to and send or receive data with any device on a common
network, such as portable electronic devices, personal computers,
printers, and so forth. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the
electronic device 10 may not include a network device 26. In such an
embodiment, a NIC may be added as an expansion card 24 to provide similar
networking capability as described above.

[0042] Further, the components may also include a power source 28. In one
embodiment, the power source 28 may be provided as one or more batteries,
such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. The battery may be user-removable
or may be secured within the housing of the electronic device 10, and may
be rechargeable. Additionally, the power source 28 may include AC power,
such as provided by an electrical outlet, and the electronic device 10
may be connected to the power source 28 via a power adapter, which may
also be used to recharge one or more batteries if present.

[0043] With the foregoing in mind, FIG. 2 illustrates an electronic device
10 in the form of a portable handheld device 30, provided here as a
cellular telephone. It should be understood that while the illustrated
device 30 is generally described in the context of a cellular phone,
other types of handheld devices may be provided as the handheld device
30, such as a digital media player for playing music and/or video, a
personal data organizer, a gaming platform, to name just a few. Further,
various embodiments of the handheld device 30 may incorporate the
functionalities of one or more types of devices, such as a cellular phone
function, a digital media player, a camera, a portable gaming platform, a
personal data organizer, or some combination thereof. Thus, depending on
the functionalities provided by the handheld electronic device 30, a user
may listen to music, play video games, take pictures, and place telephone
calls, while moving freely with the device 30.

[0044] As discussed above with respect to the electronic device 10 shown
in FIG. 1, the handheld device 30 may allow a user to connect to and
communicate (e.g., using the network device 26) through the Internet or
through other networks, such as local or wide area networks. For example,
the handheld device 30 may allow a user to communicate using e-mail, text
messaging, instant messaging, or other forms of electronic communication.
In certain embodiments, the handheld device 30 also may communicate with
other devices using short-range connection protocols, such as Bluetooth
and near field communication (NFC). By way of example only, the handheld
device 30 may be a model of an iPod® or an iPhone®, available
from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

[0045] In the depicted embodiment, the handheld device 30 includes an
enclosure 32, which may function to protect the interior components from
physical damage and shield them from electromagnetic interference. The
enclosure 32 may be formed from any suitable material or combination of
materials, such as plastic, metal, or a composite material, and may allow
certain frequencies of electromagnetic radiation to pass through to
wireless communication circuitry within the handheld device 30 to
facilitate wireless communication.

[0046] As shown in the present embodiment, the enclosure 32 includes the
user input structures 16 through which a user may interface with the
device 30. For instance, each input structure 16 may be configured to
control one or more respective device functions when pressed or actuated.
By way of example, in a cellular phone implementation, one or more of the
input structures 16 may be configured to invoke a "home" screen or menu
to be displayed, to toggle between a sleep, wake, or powered on/off mode,
to silence a ringer for a cellular phone application, to increase or
decrease a volume output, and so forth. It should be understood that the
illustrated input structures 16 are merely exemplary, and that the
handheld electronic device 30 may include any number of suitable user
input structures existing in various forms including buttons, switches,
control pads, keys, knobs, scroll wheels, and so forth, depending on
specific implementation goals and/or requirements.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the handheld device 30 includes the
above-discussed display 12 in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD)
34. The LCD 34 may display various images generated by the handheld
device 30. For example, the LCD 34 may display various system indicators
36 that provide feedback to a user with regard to one or more states of
the handheld device 30, such as power status, signal strength, call
status, external device connections, and so forth.

[0048] The LCD 34 may also be configured to display a graphical user
interface ("GUI") 38 that allows a user to interact with the handheld
device 30. The GUI 38 may include various layers, windows, screens,
templates, or other graphical elements that may be displayed in all, or a
portion, of the LCD 34. Generally, the GUI 38 may include graphical
elements that represent applications and functions of the electronic
device. The graphical elements may include icons 40 and other images
representing buttons, sliders, menu bars, and the like. The icons 40 may
correspond to various applications of the electronic device that may open
or execute upon detecting a user selection of a respective icon 40. In
some embodiments, the selection of an icon 40 may lead to a hierarchical
navigation process, such that selection of an icon 40 leads to a screen
that includes one or more additional icons or other GUI elements. As will
be appreciated, the icons 40 may be selected via a touchscreen included
in the display 12, or may be selected by a user input structure 16, such
as a wheel or button.

[0049] The handheld electronic device 30 additionally includes various
input and output (I/O) ports 14 that allow connection of the handheld
device 30 to one or more external devices. For example, one I/O port 14
may be a port that allows the transmission and reception of data or
commands between the handheld electronic device 30 and another electronic
device, such as a computer system. In some embodiments, certain I/O ports
14 may be have dual functions depending, for example, on the external
component being coupled to the handheld device 30 via the I/O port 14.
For instance, in addition to providing for the transmission of reception
of data when connected to another electronic device, certain I/O ports 14
may also charge a battery (power source 28) of the handheld device 30
when coupled to a power adaptor configured to draw/provide power from an
external power source, such as an electrical wall outlet. Such an I/O
port 14 may be a proprietary port from Apple Inc. or may be an open
standard I/O port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port.

[0050] In addition to handheld devices 30, such as the depicted cellular
telephone of FIG. 2, an electronic device 10, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention, may also take the form of a
computer or other type of electronic device. For instance, such computers
may include computers that are generally portable (such as laptop,
notebook, and tablet computers) as well as computers that are generally
non-portable (such as conventional desktop computers, workstations and/or
servers). In certain embodiments, the electronic device 10 in the form of
a computer may be a model of a MacBook®, MacBook® Pro, MacBook
Air®, iMac®, Mac® mini, or PowerBook® available from
Apple Inc. By way of example, an electronic device 10 in the form of a
laptop computer 50 is illustrated in FIG. 3 in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The depicted computer 50 includes a
housing 52, the display 12 (such as the depicted LCD 34 of FIG. 2), the
input structures 16, and the I/O ports 14.

[0051] In one embodiment, the input structures 16 may include a keyboard,
a touchpad, as well as various other buttons and/or switches which may be
used to interact with the computer 50, such as to power on or start the
computer, to operate a GUI or an application running on the computer 50,
as well as adjust various other aspects relating to operation of the
computer 50 (e.g., sound volume, display brightness, etc.). For example,
a keyboard and/or a touchpad may allow a user to navigate a user
interface (e.g., GUI) or an application interface displayed on the LCD
34.

[0052] As shown in the present figure, the electronic device 10 in the
form of the computer 50 may also include various I/O ports 14 that
provide for connectivity to additional devices. For instance, the
computer 50 may include an I/O port 14, such as a USB port, a
FireWire® (IEEE 1394) port, a high definition multimedia interface
(HDMI) port, or any other type of port that is suitable for connecting to
an external device, such as another computer or handheld device, a
projector, a supplemental display, an external storage device, or so
forth. Additionally, the computer 50 may include network connectivity
(e.g., network device 26), memory (e.g., memory 20), and storage
capabilities (e.g., storage device 22), as described above with respect
to FIG. 1. Thus, the computer 50 may store and execute a GUI and various
other applications.

[0053] With the foregoing discussion in mind, it may be appreciated that
an electronic device 10 in either the form of a handheld device 30 (FIG.
2) or a computer 50 (FIG. 3) may be provided with a display device 10 in
the form of an LCD 34. As discussed above, an LCD 34 may be utilized for
displayed respective operating system and/or application graphical user
interfaces running on the electronic device 10 and/or for displaying
various data files, including textual, image, video data, or any other
type of visual output data that may be associated with the operation of
the electronic device 10.

[0054] In embodiments in which the electronic device 10 includes an LCD
34, the LCD 34 may typically include an array or matrix of picture
elements (i.e., pixels). In operation, the LCD 34 generally operates to
modulate the transmittance of light through each pixel by controlling the
orientation of liquid crystal disposed at each pixel such that the amount
of emitted or reflected light emitted by each pixel is controlled. In
general, the orientation of the liquid crystals is controlled by a
varying electric field associated with each respective pixel, with the
liquid crystals being oriented at any given instant by the properties
(e.g., strength, shape, and so forth) of the applied electric field.

[0055] As can be appreciated, different types of LCDs may employ different
techniques for manipulating these electrical fields and/or the liquid
crystals. For example, certain LCDs may employ transverse electric field
modes in which the liquid crystals are oriented by applying an in-plane
electrical field to a layer of the liquid crystals. Example of such
techniques include in-plane switching (IPS) and fringe field switching
(FFS) techniques, which differ in the type of electrode arrangement
employed to generate the respective electrical fields.

[0056] While control of the orientation of the liquid crystals in such
displays may be sufficient to modulate the amount of light emitted by a
pixel, color filters may also be associated with each pixel within the
LCD 34 to allow specific colors of light to be emitted by each pixel. For
example, in embodiments where the LCD 34 is a color display, each pixel
of a group of pixels may correspond to a different primary color. For
example, in one embodiment, a group of pixels may include a red pixel, a
green pixel, and a blue pixel, each associated with an appropriately
colored filter element. The intensity of light allowed to pass through
each pixel (e.g., by modulation of the corresponding liquid crystals),
and its combination with the light emitted from other adjacent pixels,
determines what color or colors are perceived by a user viewing the
display. As the viewable colors are formed from individual color
components (e.g., red, green, and blue) provided by the one or a
combination of colored pixels, each of the colored pixels themselves may
also be referred to herein as "pixels" or "unit pixels" or the like.

[0057] With the foregoing in mind, and referring once again to the
figures, FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view showing different layers that
may be implemented in a unit pixel of an LCD 34. The pixel, referred to
herein by the reference number 60, includes an upper polarizing layer 62
and a lower polarizing layer 64 that polarize light emitted by a light
source 66, which may be provided as a backlight assembly unit or a
light-reflective surface. In embodiments where the light source 66 is a
backlight assembly unit, any type of suitable lighting device, such as
cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs), hot cathode fluorescent lamps
(HCFLs), and/or light emitting diodes (LEDs), may be utilize to provide
lighting.

[0058] As shown in the present embodiment, a lower substrate 68 is
disposed above the lower polarizing layer 64. The lower substrate 68 is
generally formed from a light-transparent material, such as glass,
quartz, and/or plastic. A thin film transistor (TFT) layer 70 is depicted
as being disposed above the lower substrate 68. For simplicity of
illustration, the TFT layer 70 is depicted as a generalized structure in
FIG. 4. In practice, the TFT layer 70 may itself include various
conductive, non-conductive, and semiconductive layers and structures
which generally form the electrical devices and pathways which drive
operation of the unit pixel 60. For example, in an embodiment in which
the pixel 60 is part of an FFS LCD panel, the TFT layer 70 may include
the respective data lines (also referred to as "source lines"), scanning
lines (also referred to as "gate lines"), pixel electrodes, and common
electrodes (as well as other conductive traces and structures) of the
pixel 60. Such conductive structures may, in light-transmissive portions
of the pixel 60, be formed using transparent conductive materials, such
as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO). The TFT layer 70
may further include insulating layers (such as a gate insulating film)
formed from suitable transparent materials (such as silicon oxide) and
semiconductive layers formed from suitable semiconductor materials (such
as amorphous silicon). In general, the respective conductive structures
and traces, insulating structures, and semiconductor structures may be
suitably disposed to form the respective pixel electrodes and common
electrodes, a TFT, and the respective data and scanning lines used to
operate the unit pixel 60, as described in further detail below with
regard to FIG. 5. In the depicted embodiment, a lower alignment layer 71,
which may be formed from polyimide or other suitable materials, may be
disposed between the TFT layer 70 and a liquid crystal layer 72.

[0059] The liquid crystal layer 72 may include liquid crystal molecules
suspended in a fluid or embedded in polymer networks. The liquid crystal
molecules may be oriented or aligned with respect to an electrical field
generated by the TFT layer 70. In practice, the orientation of the liquid
crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 72 determines the amount of
light (e.g., provided by the light source 66) that is transmitted through
the pixel 60. Thus, by modulation of the electrical field applied to the
liquid crystal layer 72, the amount of light transmitted though the pixel
60 may be correspondingly modulated.

[0060] Disposed on the side of the liquid crystal layer 72 opposite from
the TFT layer 70 may be one or more upper alignment and/or overcoating
layers 74 interfacing between the liquid crystal layer 72 and an
overlying color filter 76. The color filter 76, in certain embodiments,
may be a red, green, or blue filter, such that each unit pixel 60 of the
LCD 34 corresponds to a primary color when light is transmitted from the
light source 66 through the liquid crystal layer 72 and the color filter
76.

[0061] The color filter 76 may be surrounded by a light-opaque mask or
matrix 78, commonly referred to as a "black mask," which circumscribes
the light-transmissive portion of the unit pixel 60. For example, in
certain embodiments, the black mask 78 may be sized and shaped to define
a light-transmissive aperture over the liquid crystal layer 72 and around
the color filter 76 and to cover or mask portions of the unit pixel 60
that do not transmit light, such as the scanning line and data line
driving circuitry, the TFT, and the periphery of the pixel 60. Further,
in addition to defining the light-transmissive aperture, the black mask
78 may serve to prevent light transmitted through the aperture and color
filter 76 from diffusing or "bleeding" into adjacent unit pixels.

[0062] In the depicted embodiment, an upper substrate 80 may be further
disposed between the color filter 76 (including the black mask 78) and
the upper polarizing layer 64. In such an embodiment, the upper substrate
may be formed from light-transmissive glass, quartz, and/or plastic.

[0063] Continuing now to FIG. 5, a schematic circuit representation of
pixel driving circuitry found in an LCD 34 is shown. For example, such
circuitry as depicted in FIG. 5 may be embodied in the TFT layer 70
described above with respect to FIG. 4. As depicted, a plurality of unit
pixels 60, each of which may be formed in accordance with the unit pixel
60 shown in FIG. 4, may be disposed in a pixel array or matrix defining a
plurality of rows and columns of unit pixels that collectively form an
image display region of an LCD 34. In such an array, each unit pixel 60
may be defined by the intersection of rows and columns, which may be
defined by the illustrated data (or "source") lines 100 and scanning (or
"gate") lines 102, respectively.

[0064] Although only six unit pixels, referred to individually by the
reference numbers 60a-60f, respectively, are shown in the present example
for purposes of simplicity, it should be understood that in an actual LCD
implementation, each data line 100 and scanning line 102 may include
hundreds or even thousands of unit pixels. By way of example, in a color
LCD panel 34 having a display resolution of 1024×768, each data
line 100, which may define a column of the pixel array, may include 768
unit pixels, while each scanning line 102, which may define a row of the
pixel array, may include 1024 groups of pixels, wherein each group has a
red, blue, and green pixel, thus totaling 3072 unit pixels per scanning
line 102. In the present illustration, the group of unit pixels 60a-60c
may represent a group of pixels having a red pixel (60a), a blue pixel
(60b), and a green pixel (60c). The group of unit pixels 60d-60f may be
arranged in a similar manner.

[0065] As shown in the present figure, each unit pixel 60 includes a pixel
electrode 110 and thin film transistor (TFT) 112 for switching the pixel
electrode 110. In the depicted embodiment, the source 114 of each TFT 112
is electrically connected to a data line 100, extending from respective
data line driving circuitry 120. Similarly, in the depicted embodiment,
the gate 122 of each TFT 112 is electrically connected to a scanning or
gate line 102, extending from respective scanning line driving circuitry
124. In the depicted embodiment, the pixel electrode 110 is electrically
connected to a drain 128 of the respective TFT 112.

[0066] In one embodiment, the data line driving circuitry 120 may send
image signals to the pixels 60 by way of the respective data lines 100.
Such image signals may be applied by line-sequence. That is, the data
lines 100 (defining columns) may be sequentially activated during
operation of the LCD 34. The scanning lines 102 (defining rows) may apply
scanning signals from the scanning line driving circuitry 124 to the
respective gates 122 of each TFT 112 to which the respective scanning
lines 102 are connected. Such scanning signals may be applied by
line-sequence with a predetermined timing and/or in a pulsed manner.

[0067] Each TFT 112 serves as a switching element which may be activated
and deactivated (e.g., turned on and off) for a predetermined period
based upon the respective presence or absence of a scanning signal at the
gate 122 of the TFT 112. When activated, a TFT 112 may store the image
signals received via a respective data line 100 as a charge in the pixel
electrode 110 with a predetermined timing. The image signals stored by
the pixel electrode 110 may be used to generate an electrical field
between the respective pixel electrode 110 and a common electrode (not
shown in FIG. 5). Such an electrical field may align liquid crystals
molecules within the liquid crystal layer 72 (FIG. 4) to modulate light
transmission through the liquid crystal layer 72. In some embodiments, a
storage capacitor (not shown) may also be provided in parallel to the
liquid crystal capacitor formed between the pixel electrode 110 and the
common electrode to prevent leakage of the stored image signal by the
pixel electrode 110. For example, such a storage capacitor may be
provided between the drain 128 of the respective TFT 112 and a separate
capacitor line.

[0068] The operation of the unit pixel 60 and, particularly, the
arrangement of the pixel electrodes 110 and the common electrodes
discussed in FIG. 5 may be better understood with respect to FIG. 6,
which illustrates the operation of the unit pixel 60 via a cutaway
cross-sectional side view. As shown, the view of the unit pixel 60 in
FIG. 6 includes the layers generally described above with reference to
FIG. 4, including the upper polarizing layer 62, lower polarizing layer
64, lower substrate 68, TFT layer 70, liquid crystal layer 72, alignment
layers 71 and 74, color filter 76, and upper substrate 80.

[0069] As mentioned above, the TFT layer 70, which was depicted as a
generalized structure in FIG. 4, may include various conductive,
non-conductive, and/or semiconductive layers and structures defining
electrical devices and pathways for driving the operation of the pixel
60. In the illustrated embodiment, the TFT layer 70 is shown in the
context of a fringe field switching (FFS) LCD display device and includes
the pixel electrode 110, an insulating layer 132, and a common electrode
layer 134. The common electrode layer 134 is disposed above the lower
substrate 68, and the insulation layer 132 is disposed between the pixel
electrode 110 and the common electrode 134.

[0070] The pixel electrodes 110 and the common electrode layer 134 may be
made of a transparent conductive material, such as ITO or IZO, for
example. The common electrode layer 134 generally covers the surface of
each unit pixel 60, and may be connected to a common line (not shown),
which may be parallel to a scanning line 102 to which the illustrated
unit pixel 60 is connected. The pixel electrode 110 may be formed as
having a plurality of slit-like voids 138, such that the portions of the
pixel electrode 110 between each of the slits 138 define one or more
electrode "strip-like" or "finger-like" shapes, referred to in FIG. 6 by
the reference numbers 140a-140c, that generally lie within a plane of the
unit pixel 60 defined by the x-axis and y-axis (x-y plane), as depicted
by the reference axes shown in FIG. 6. As shown in the present figure,
portions of the lower alignment layer 71 may at least partially protrude
into the region defined by the slits 138. In accordance with aspects of
the present disclosure, which will be discussed in further detail below
with regard to FIGS. 7-11B, the electrode strips 140a-140c of the pixel
electrode 110 may be arranged in various multi-domain configurations so
as to provide for improved viewing angle and color shift properties, as
well as to provide for improved transmittance rates relative to those of
conventional multi-domain configurations.

[0071] In accordance with FFS LCD operating principles, the liquid crystal
molecules 136 within the liquid crystal layer 72 may have a "default"
orientation in a first direction based upon the configuration of the
lower 71 and upper alignment layers 74. When a voltage is applied to the
unit pixel 60, an electrical field is formed between the pixel electrode
strips 140a-140c (of the pixel electrode 110) and the common electrode
layer 134. As discussed above, the electrical field (referred to herein
by the reference label E) controls the orientation of liquid crystal
molecules 136 within the liquid crystal layer 72, such that the
orientation changes with respect to the default orientation, thereby
allowing at least a portion of the light transmitted from the light
source 66 (not shown in FIG. 6) to be transmitted through the pixel 60.
Thus, by modulating the electrical field E, the light provided by the
light source 66 and transmitted through the unit pixel 60, as indicated
by the reference label T, may be controlled. In this manner, image data
sent along the data lines 100 and scanning lines 102 may be perceived by
a user viewing the LCD 34 as an image.

[0072] Before continuing, it should be understood that the electrodes 110
(including electrode strips 140a-140c) and electrode layer 134 of the
depicted FFS LCD panel may also be implemented in an opposite manner
depending on how the FFS LCD panel 34 is constructed. That is, in certain
embodiments, the electrodes 110 may function as common electrodes and the
electrode layer 134 may function as a pixel electrode. Thus, while the
following discussion with respect to FIGS. 7-11B will describe various
aspects of the present technique as being implemented with respect to the
pixel electrodes of unit pixels, it should be appreciated that the
presently described techniques may also be applied where the electrodes
110 function as common electrodes.

[0073] As discussed above, certain embodiments of the present disclosure
provide for unit pixels 60 having pixel electrodes 110 arranged to
provide a multi-domain configuration resulting in improved viewing angle
and color shift properties, as well as providing for improved
transmittance rates over conventional multi-domain pixel designs. For
instance, referring now to FIG. 7, a detailed plan view of a portion of
an LCD panel 34 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
disclosure is illustrated. Particularly, the portion of the LCD panel 34
illustrated in FIG. 7 includes the unit pixels 60a-60f discussed above
with reference to FIG. 5, as well as the unit pixels 60g and 60h. In the
depicted embodiment, two scanning lines 102a and 102b, which are
generally parallel to a horizontal axis (x-axis), and three data lines
100a, 100b, and 100c, which are generally parallel to a vertical axis
(y-axis) are shown. The unit pixels 60a-60c are each coupled to the
scanning line 102a and respective data lines 100a-100c. Similarly, the
unit pixels 60d-60f are each coupled to the scanning line 102b and
respective data lines 100a-100c. As discussed above, where the LCD 34 is
a color display, each group of unit pixels 60a-60c and 60d-60f may
represent a group of unit pixels having a red, blue, and green unit
pixel. The unit pixels 60g and 60h are also coupled to the scanning lines
102a and 102b, respectively, as well as an additional common data line
(not shown).

[0074] As mentioned above, each unit pixel 60 is generally defined by the
intersection of a data line 100 and a scanning line 102. Particularly,
the intersection of a data line 100 and a scanning line 102 defines a TFT
112 which, when switched on, serves to apply a voltage from the data line
100 to liquid crystal molecules 136 (FIG. 6) within a corresponding unit
pixel 60 or to remove the applied voltage when switched off.

[0075] As shown in the depicted embodiment, the pixel electrodes 110 of
each of the illustrated pixels 60a-60h include the electrode strips
140a-140c arranged in an undulating wave-like manner, such that each of
the electrode strips 140a-140c oscillates with respect to the vertical
axis (y-axis) to form a generally wavy or wave-like shape along the
vertical axis of the LCD 34. That is, if the vertical axis were to be
aligned directly over an electrode strip (140a-140c), the curve defined
by the wavy electrode strip oscillates to periodically traverse both
sides of the vertical axis, in a manner similar to a sine wave.

[0076] Although the wave-like configuration of the pixel electrode 110
shown in the present embodiment may exhibit electrical fields that differ
in direction throughout the unit pixel 60, the changes in the electrical
field directions are generally less abrupt and more gradual compared to
conventional multi-domain pixel designs. As such, disclinations that may
occur within the light-transmissive region of the unit pixel 60 due to
interference between electrical fields in different domains may be
eliminated or rendered less noticeable. As will be appreciated, such
properties may provide for increased transmittance while retaining the
viewing angle and color shift properties typical of conventional
multi-domain designs.

[0077] Additionally, referring to the unit pixels 60g and 60h, a black
mask 78 element is illustrated. As discussed above, the black mask 78,
which may be formed from a light-opaque material, may define a
light-transmissive aperture over the liquid crystal layer 72 for each of
the unit pixels, and may cover or mask portions of the unit pixel 60 that
do not transmit light, such as the TFT 112 and the scanning/data line
circuitry. In some embodiments, the black mask 78 may also serve to at
least partially mask disclinations that may occur due to interference
between electrical fields (E) occurring in multiple domains within a unit
pixel. For illustrative purposes, the black mask 78 in FIG. 7 is only
shown as covering the unit pixels 60g and 60h. In practice, it should be
appreciated that the black mask 78 may form a matrix over all the unit
pixels within an LCD 34.

[0078] As shown in the present embodiment, the vertical edges 144g and
144h of the apertures corresponding to the unit pixels 60g and 60h,
respectively, are substantially parallel with both the y-axis and the
data lines 100a-100c. That is, the vertical edges 144g and 144h of the
apertures of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 are substantially linear and
parallel to the vertical axis (y-axis) of the LCD panel 34 and, thus, do
not mimic the wave-like shape defined by the undulating electrode strips
140a-140c. Also as discussed above, a color filter 76, which may be a
red, green, or blue filter, may be provided within each defined aperture
such that each unit pixel 60 corresponds to a particular primary color
when light is transmitted therethrough. For instance, the color filters
76g and 76h corresponding to the unit pixels 60g and 60h, respectively,
may correspond to one of a red, blue or green filter.

[0079] Before continuing, it should be noted that each of the wavy
electrode strips 140a-140c shown in the present embodiment, are
illustrated as being generally uniformly spaced apart from each other and
as having a generally constant period of oscillation along the vertical
axis. However, it should be understood that in alternate embodiments,
both the period of oscillation along the vertical axis and the spacing
between each of the electrode strips 140a-140c may vary and/or be
non-uniform.

[0080] Continuing to FIG. 8, a further embodiment of an LCD panel 34 is
illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As
shown, the LCD panel 34 of FIG. 8 includes unit pixels 60a-60h having
pixel electrodes with electrode strips 140a-140c arranged in an
oscillating wave-like manner similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
Further, the data lines 100a-100c in the present embodiment are arranged
to have an oscillating wave-like configuration along the vertical axis,
such that they are generally mimic the shape of the electrode strips
140a-140c of the unit pixels 60a-60h. That is, the data lines 100a-100c
are not linear and parallel to the vertical axis (as was shown in FIG.
7), but instead generally follows the curve defined by the wave-shaped
electrode strips 140a-140c, such that both vertical edges 142a and 142b
of the data lines (e.g., 100a) mimic the wave-like shape of the
electrodes strips 140a-140c in a parallel manner. As used herein, the
phrase "mimic in a generally parallel manner" or the like shall be
understood to refer to an arrangement in which two structures (e.g., the
electrode strip 140c and the data line 100a) have substantially
identically shaped edges and are arranged in a generally parallel manner
such that corresponding points along the edges of each structure are
generally equidistant. For instance, as shown in the present figure, the
data line 100a has a wave-like shape that mimics the undulating electrode
strip 140c of the unit pixel 60a, such that the edge 142a of the data
line 100a is substantially equidistant from the electrode strip 140c at
all points along the vertical length of the unit pixel 60a.

[0081] The present embodiment also provides for a black mask element 78
that defines apertures 76g and 76h which have vertical edges 144g and
144h, respectively, that also mimic the wave-like shape of the electrode
strips 140a-140c in a generally parallel manner similar to the
arrangement of the data lines 100a-100c (as opposed to being parallel to
the vertical axis as shown in FIG. 7). As will be appreciated, an LCD
panel 34 utilizing wave-like electrode strips 140a-140c in conjunction
with the generally parallel wave-like data line 100a-100c and apertures
having generally parallel wave-like vertical edges (144g and 144h), as
shown in FIG. 8, may provide for a higher transmittance rate relative to
the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

[0082] Referring now to FIG. 9A, a further embodiment of a pixel electrode
110 configuration is depicted by way of a simplified plan view. As shown,
the pixel electrode 110 includes the electrodes 140a-140d defined by the
slits 138. The pixel electrode 110 may have a length L along the vertical
axis (y-axis of the illustrated reference axes) generally defined by
first and second opposing ends, referred to by the reference numbers 146
and 148, respectively, between which the electrode strips 140a-140d
diverge and converge with respect to the vertical axis. For instance, the
electrode strips 140a and 140b may extend from the first end 146 of the
electrode 110 and diverge with respect to the vertical axis by the angles
α and β, respectively, along a first length L1 of the
electrode 110. Though shown as being generally equal in magnitude, it
should be appreciated that the angles α and β may have
different magnitudes in other embodiments.

[0083] As shown in the present embodiment, the electrode strips 140a and
140b may diverge by the angles α and β generally along
vertical length L of the electrode until an intermediate point, depicted
here as the end of the first length L1 referred to by the reference
number 145. From the intermediate point 145, the electrode strips 140a
and 140b may begin to converge via the angles α and β,
respectively, along a second length L2 of electrode 110, such that the
electrode strips 140a and 140b eventually meet and adjoin at the second
end 148 of the pixel electrode 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the
lengths L1 and L2 are shown as being generally equal, though it should be
understood that the lengths L1 and L2 may not be equal in alternate
embodiments. In such embodiments, the angles at which the electrode
strips 140a and 140b converge (along L2) may not be equal in magnitude to
the angles α and β. For instance, if L2 is greater than L1,
the angles at which each of the electrode strips 140a and 140b converge
may be lesser in magnitude relative to the angles α and β,
respectively. Similarly, if L2 is less than L1, the angles at which each
of the electrode strips 140a and 140b converge may be greater in
magnitude relative to the angles α and β, respectively.

[0084] The pixel electrode 110 in the present embodiment also includes the
electrode strips 140c and 140d which are adjacent to the electrode strips
140a and 140b, respectively. The electrode strips 140c and 140d generally
mimic the diverging/converging shape defined by the electrode strips 140a
and 140b, respectively, in a parallel manner along the lengths L1 and L2.
That is, the electrode strips 140c and 140d may diverge from the first
end 146 of the pixel electrode 110 at the angles α and β,
respectively, along the length L1, and converge at the second end 148
along the length L2 in a manner similar to the electrode strips 140a and
140b.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 9B, a detailed plan view of an LCD panel 34
having unit pixels 60a-60h utilizing the pixel electrode configuration
shown in FIG. 9A is illustrated. As shown, the LCD 34 of FIG. 9B includes
the scanning lines 102a and 102b, which are generally parallel to a
horizontal axis (x-axis), and data lines 100a, 100b, and 100c, which are
generally parallel to a vertical axis (y-axis). As discussed above, the
unit pixels 60a-60c are each coupled to the scanning line 102a and
respective data lines 100a-100c, and may define a group of unit pixels
having a red, blue, and green unit pixel. Similarly, the unit pixels
60d-60f, which may also define a red, blue, and green pixel group, are
coupled to the adjacent scanning line 102b and respective data lines
100a-100c.

[0086] The LCD panel 34 of FIG. 9B may also include the black mask 78
discussed above, which may define light-transmissive apertures, as shown
over the unit pixels 60g and 60h. A light-transmissive aperture may have
vertical edges 144g generally parallel to the vertical axis and the data
lines 100a-100c, as shown with respect to the unit pixel 60g and
discussed above with reference to FIG. 7. Alternatively, the
light-transmissive apertures defined by the black mask 78 may include
vertical edges that are not parallel (e.g., not linear) to the vertical
axis, but instead mimic the shape of the diverging/converging electrode
arrangement shown in FIG. 9A in a parallel manner. For instance,
referring to the unit pixel 60h, a first vertical edge 144h1 that
mimics the diverging/converging shape of the electrode strips 140a and
140c in a substantially parallel manner may be formed on a first side of
the aperture, and a second vertical edge 144h2 that mimics the
diverging/converging shape of the electrode strips 140b and 140d in a
substantially parallel manner may be formed on a second side of the
aperture (opposite the first side). As will be appreciated, an LCD panel
34 utilizing the pixel electrode configuration of FIG. 9A and a black
mask 78 defining apertures having vertical edges similar to the edges
144h1 and 144h2 may provide for a higher transmittance rate
compared to a similar LCD panel 34 utilizing apertures having vertical
edges (e.g., 144g) parallel to the vertical axis.

[0087] Continuing now to FIG. 10A, simplified plan views depicting pixel
electrode configurations 110a and 110b, which may correspond to adjacent
unit pixels, are illustrated in accordance with a further embodiment of
the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, each of the pixel
electrodes 110a and 110b may be arranged in a multiple-domain
configuration as having electrode strips that are angled such that the
pixel electrodes 110a and 110b are asymmetric with respect to both the
horizontal axis (x-axis) and the vertical axis (y-axis). For instance,
the pixel electrode 110a, which may have a vertical length L, may include
the electrode strips 140a-140c extending along the length L from a first
end ("transistor end") of the electrode 110a having an electrode portion
150 adapted to couple to the TFT 112. As shown, the electrode strips
140a-140c may be generally parallel to each other, and may extend along a
first length L1 of the pixel electrode 110a at an angle having a
magnitude γ with respect to the vertical axis in a first angular
direction (e.g., negative direction with respect to the x-axis) until the
intermediate point labeled by the reference number 151a. At the
intermediate point 151a, the electrode strips 140a-140c may continue
along the length L2 in a second angular direction opposite the first
angular direction (e.g., positive direction with respect to the x-axis)
at an angle having a magnitude δ with respect to the vertical axis,
wherein the length L2 is less than the length L1, thus providing for the
asymmetric configuration. In the present embodiment, the angles γ
and δ may be generally equal in magnitude, though it should be
appreciated that in other embodiments, the angles γ and δ may
have different magnitudes.

[0088] Additionally, the pixel electrode 110b is shown in the present
figure as having an arrangement similar to the pixel electrode 110a, but
in a complementary manner. For instance, the pixel electrode 110b may
include the electrode strips 140d-140f that extend from the transistor
end 150 of the electrode 110b along the length L2 in the first angular
direction at an angle having a magnitude δ with respect to the
vertical axis. Upon reaching an intermediate point 151b, the electrode
strips 140d-140f may continue along the length L1 in the second angular
direction at an angle having a magnitude γ with respect to the
vertical axis.

[0089] The presently illustrated pixel electrode configurations 110a and
110b of FIG. 10A may be implemented in an LCD panel 34 in an alternating
manner such that every other row (defined by scanning lines 102) includes
unit pixels having the pixel electrode configuration 110a and such that
every other complementary row includes unit pixels having the pixel
electrode configuration 110b. For instance, such an embodiment is
illustrated in further detail with respect to FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG.
10B, the unit pixels 60a-60c, which are each coupled to the scanning line
102a and respective data lines 100a-100c, may define a row of unit pixels
each including the pixel electrode configuration 110a having the
electrode strips 140a-140c arranged in the manner described in FIG. 10A.
The unit pixels 60d-60f, which are each coupled to the scanning line 102b
and respective data lines 100a-100c, may similarly define an adjacent row
or unit pixels each including the pixel electrode configuration 110b
having the electrode strips 140d-140f.

[0090] The data lines 100a-100c may be oriented such that the portions of
each data line (100a-100c) between adjacent scanning lines mimic the
shape defined by pixel electrode strips of directly adjacent unit pixels
in a substantially parallel manner. For instance, the portion of the data
line 100a between the scanning lines 102a and 102b generally mimics the
shape of the electrode strips 140d-140f (of unit pixel 60d), and the
portion of the data line 100a between the scanning line 102a and a
directly adjacent scanning line (not shown) on the side opposite the
scanning line 102b generally mimics the shape of the electrode strips
140a-140c (of unit pixel 60a). In this manner, the data lines 100a-100c
may each define a generally zigzag shape that mimics the shape of
adjacent electrode strips (140a-140f) in a parallel manner along the
vertical length of the LCD panel 34.

[0091] Additionally, the unit pixels 60a-60h shown in FIG. 10B may each
include a common electrode layer 134 that generally conforms with the
shape defined by the respective pixel electrode arrangement (110a or
110b) for each unit pixel 60a-60h. For example, the unit pixels 60a-60c,
each of which includes the pixel electrode 110a, may further include the
common electrode layer, shown by the reference number 134a. Similarly,
the unit pixels 60d-60f, which each include the pixel electrode 110b, may
each include the common electrode layer 134b. Again, it should also be
noted that the unit pixels 60a-60c and the unit pixels 60d-60f may each
define a groups of three unit pixels having a red, blue, and green unit
pixel.

[0092] The LCD panel 34 of FIG. 10B further illustrates an embodiment of
the black mask 78 element that may be used in conjunction with the unit
pixels 60a-60h having the pixel electrode configurations 110a and 110b.
The illustrated black mask 78 may define light-transmissive apertures
over each unit pixel of a LCD panel 34, such that each aperture has
vertical edges (with respect to the y-axis) that generally mimics the
shape of corresponding electrodes strips (either 140a-140c or 140d-140f)
in a substantially parallel manner within a respective unit pixel. For
instance, the aperture shown over the unit pixel 60g, which is coupled to
the scanning line 102a, may include the vertical edges 144g that
generally mimic the shape of the electrode strips 140a-140c of the pixel
electrode 110a in a substantially parallel manner, such that the vertical
edges 144g are generally equidistance from each of the electrode strips
140a-140c of the unit pixel 60g at each point along the vertical length
of the electrode strips 140a-140c that are exposed via the aperture.
Similarly, the aperture shown over the unit pixel 60h, which is coupled
to the scanning line 102b, may include the vertical edges 144h, which are
generally mimic the shape of the electrode strips 140d-140f of the pixel
electrode 110b in a substantially parallel manner.

[0093] As discussed above, the pixel electrodes 110a and 110b may,
individually, be asymmetric with respect to the vertical and horizontal
axes. When arranged in an alternating manner by scanning lines, as shown
in FIG. 10B, the electrode strips 140a-140c of the pixel electrodes 110a
may generally be symmetrical to the electrode strips 140d-140f of the
pixel electrodes 110b about a horizontal axis defined by the scanning
line 102a. Similarly, the common electrode layers 134a (corresponding to
the unit pixels 60a-60c) and 134b (corresponding to the unit pixels
60d-60f), as well as the apertures over the unit pixels 60g and 60h
(defined by the black mask 78), in the presently illustrated arrangement,
may also be generally symmetrical about the scanning line 102a. As will
be appreciated, an LCD panel 34 utilizing a pixel array having the pixel
electrode configurations 110a and 110b and respective apertures defined
by vertical edges 144g and 144h, respectively, as shown in FIG. 10B, may
provide for improved transmittance rates and/or reduced off-axis color
shift compared to that conventional multi-domain designs.

[0094] Continuing now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a further embodiment of a LCD
panel 34 is illustrated. Referring first to FIG. 11A, a simplified plan
view of a pixel electrode, referred to by the reference number 110c, is
shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The electrode
110c may include vertical edge portions 152 and 154 which extend along
the vertical length L (with respect to the y-axis) on opposite sides of
the electrode 110c. The electrode 110c additionally includes a dividing
electrode portion 156, which may define a lower and upper portion of the
pixel electrode 110c, referred to here by the reference numbers 158 and
160, respectively. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the dividing
electrode portion 156 extends from a single vertical edge portion (here
154), and may be disposed generally at the midpoint of the length L, such
that that vertical length of the lower portion 158 is generally
equivalent to the vertical length of the upper portion 160. It should be
appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the dividing electrode
portion 156 may extend from the opposing vertical edge (e.g., 152) or
from both vertical edges (e.g., 152 and 154), and/or may define lower 158
and upper portions 160 that differ in vertical length.

[0095] Each of the lower portion 158 and the upper portion 160 of the
electrode 110c may include interleaving sets of electrode strips
extending from each of the vertical edge portions 152 and 154. For
instance, the lower portion 158 may include a first set of electrode
strips 140a extending from the vertical edge 152, and a second set of
electrode strips 140b extending from the opposing vertical edge 154, such
that the electrode strips 140a and 140b are generally parallel to each
other and form an interleaving arrangement. In the present embodiment,
the electrode strips 140a and 140b may extend from their respective
vertical edges 152 and 154 at an angle with respect to the horizontal
axis (x-axis), but in opposite angular directions. For example, the
electrode strips 140a may extend from the vertical edge 152 at an angle
having a magnitude ε with respect to the horizontal axis and in a
first angular direction (e.g., positive direction with respect to the
y-axis). The electrode strips 140b may extend from the opposing vertical
edge 154 at an angle having the magnitude ε with respect to the
horizontal axis, but in a second angular direction opposite the first
angular direction (e.g., negative direction with respect to the y-axis).

[0096] Referring to the upper portion 160, a similar interleaving
arrangement may be formed by the electrode strips 140c extending from the
vertical edge 152 and the electrode strips 140d extending from the
opposing vertical edge 154. As shown, the electrode strips 140c and 140d
are generally parallel to each other, but not parallel to the electrode
strips 140a and 140b of the lower portion 158. In the present embodiment,
each of the electrode strip sets 140c and 140d extend from their
respective vertical edges 152 and 154 at an angle having the magnitude
ε, but in angular directions opposite from the electrode strip
sets 140a and 140b, respectively. For instance, the electrode strips 140c
may extend from the edge 152 to form an angle with respect to the
horizontal axis in the second angular direction (e.g., negative with
respect to the y-axis, as defined above), whereas the electrode strips
140d may extend from the edge 154 to form an angle with respect to the
horizontal axis, but in the first angular direction (e.g., positive with
respect to the y-axis, as defined above). Additionally, while each of the
electrode strip sets 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d are illustrated in FIG.
11A as generally having equivalent lengths and spaced uniformly apart
from each other, it should be understood that in further embodiments, the
electrodes 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d may have differing lengths and/or
may be spaced non-uniformly with respect to each other.

[0097] An LCD panel 34 having unit pixels utilizing the pixel electrode
configuration 110c is illustrated in FIG. 11B by way of a detailed plan
view. As shown, the illustrated portion of the LCD panel 34 in FIG. 11B
includes the unit pixels 60a-60c coupled to the scanning line 102a and
respective data lines 100a-100c, as well as the unit pixels 60d-60f
coupled to the adjacent scanning line 102b and respective data lines
100a-100c. Here again, it should be understood that the unit pixels
60a-60c and 60d-60f may respectively define groups of three unit pixels
having a red, blue, and green unit pixel.

[0098] As depicted, each of the unit pixels 60a-60f within the pixel array
shown in FIG. 11B may include a pixel electrode 110c having the electrode
strip sets 140a-140d extending from opposing vertical edges 152 and 154
in the manner discussed above with reference FIG. 11A. Though not shown
in the present figure, in practice, the LCD panel 34 of FIG. 11B may
include a black mask 78 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, which
may define light-transmissive apertures over each of the unit pixels
60a-60f. As will be appreciated, an LCD panel 34 utilizing the pixel
electrodes 110c shown here may have an increased aperture ratio relative
to conventional multi-domain pixel designs, thus providing for an
improved transmittance rate which may result in enhanced brightness when
perceived by a user viewing the LCD panel 34.

[0099] The presently disclosed techniques, which have been explained by
way of the various exemplary embodiments described above, may be utilized
in a variety of LCD devices, particularly fringe field switching (FFS)
LCD devices. When compared to conventional multi-domain pixel designs,
the embodiments described above may offer improvements with regard to one
or more LCD display panel properties, such as viewing angle, color shift,
and/or transmittance rates. Additionally, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the LCD panels incorporating one or more of the foregoing
techniques may be manufactured using any type of suitable layer
deposition process, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD or PECVD).

[0100] While the present invention may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
However, it should be understood that the techniques set forth in the
present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the particular forms
disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.